MAGNETIC PROMOTION OF COMBUSTION IN DIFFUSION FLAMES

Inhomogeneous magnetic fields have been found to promote combustion reactions in diffusion flames. When a fuel gas flowed in the direction of a decreasing field strength, the burning velocity was found to increase. No magnetic effect was observed when it flowed into a homogeneous field. Furthermore, when a large diffusion flame was situated around the center of the magnetic field the intensity of which increased centripetally, the combustion reaction was also found to be promoted. The behavior of gas flows under gradient fields was studied. The magnetic promotion of combustion can be explained by the magnetically induced flow of air. The supply of air to the flame front increased by applying inhomogeneous field. Furthermore, the convection of air was also magnetically promoted. The present results suggest the possibility of controlling combustion in diffusion flames by applying inhomogeneous magnetic fields.